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What could be better than being among Harry Connick Jr.s neighbor? Perhaps being among Paul Simons? If either scenario intrigues you, then Le Beau Chateau in New Canaan might be the estate for you. That is, if the $17 million asking price doesnt make you flinch.

It is one of Fairfield Countys last great estate properties and its sprawling 52 acres of open meadows and gentle streams once belonged to the late copper heiress Huguette M. Clark.

Secluded behind gates and a pine forest, and unoccupied for more than 60 years, the estate sports a grand manor house: Le Beau Château. It is a French châteaustyle residence reminiscent of the mansions in the Loire Valley of France. Built in 1937 by the New York architectural firm Voorhees, Gmelin and Walker, designers of the Art Decostyled Times Square Building and One Wall Street, this 9-bedroom, six full- and three half-bath residence has been remarkably preserved.

Things get even more interesting inside: a commanding two-story grand foyer  complete with a movie set-like curved staircase  commands attention as you walk into the graceful 22-room mansion.

Ornate architectural detail accentuates generously proportioned rooms, all with delicate marble and herringbone floors, 13-foot ceilings and French doors throughout. There is a grand gallery, 11 fireplaces, a full basement, a walk-up attic, an elevator and terrace, as well as a service courtyard for parking cars.

The grand kitchen harkens back to a deluxe grand hotel in New York City, with original and now retro-chic metal cabinetry throughout.

As befitting such a remarkable, historical structure, there is a dramatic story behind it: Beau Château was built  with no expense spared  in 1937 by a former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania who sold the estate in 1951. That owner never moved in.

Le Beau Château has now stood unoccupied for decades; it has been maintained by caretakers who live in the propertys two brick gatekeeper cottages.

Perhaps you can be the first occupant of Le Beau Chateau in the better part of a century. It would be a good story to tell your new neighbors, Paul and Harry.